My Guide to Paris
Wandering Montmartre after visiting Sacré Cœur
Last year for my birthday, I spent 10 days in France on a trip dedicated purely to love and beauty. Below, I share my fav Paris spots and travel tips. Because I was traveling on my own, I made sure to seek out everything I enjoy. Take my recommendations as a guide, but make sure to infuse your time in the “City of Love” with things unique to you. You can find my Google Map with all the locations here.
STAY
I left a night early from a rough AirBnb, and ended up last minute at Hôtel Le Clément in Saint-Germain-Des-Prés which was absolutely perfect. Great location close to my favourite French pharmacy for beauty products and perfumerie. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
I also stayed at Hotel Bievenue, which was less chic than expected, but I loved the area (9th).
If you are travelling solo, I recommend a hotel or Airbnb with a host, because it can be lonely waking up jetlagged in a new country.
EAT & DRINK
For my birthday I went to Vivant 2, which was extremely sexy. I drank champagne by candelight, and flirted with the chefs. I ate an incredible scallop dish, and fish tacos with the best tortillas I’ve ever had. 10/10 would recommend for a ballin’ night out.
While waiting for my reservation, I went to their sister restaurant Deviant a few doors down, and had the best bite of my trip (foccaccia fingers with mackerel, lemon zest and parsley). Next time I can’t wait to go for a full meal here, and it’s less $$ than Vivant 2.
On my actually birthday I went for lunch, post yoga, to Au Pied du Cochon, and it felt so nostalgic of old Paris. Everything in there was classic, from the waiters, to the raw bar, to the clientele. I stayed for hours drinking wine, eating bread, and enjoying their french onion soup. I’ll come back to this institution at least once every trip!
The only wine bar I visited was Septime La Cave, and it couldn’t have been better. Very small, with great snacks and cool staff. Buy some wine to go from here. They also have Clamato, and Septime for a superb prix fixe. I woke up early to make a reservation, but you have to call (not email or go online) exactly 3 weeks in advance. Pro-tip, go to the wine bar before the restaurant opens, and get yourself in as a walk-in.
I missed a few good places, and already have them lined up for next time. These include Au Passage, L’Avant Comptoir and Frenchie Wine Bar.
As for croissants and boulangeries - you can’t go wrong. I love carbohydrates, and there’s a lot of great recommendations online, so search close to where you’re staying. The #1 thing I loved about Paris was the slow mornings, drinking un café and eating croissants and tartines with jam.
Skip L'As du Fallafel. I was really excited about this one, but it doesn’t come close to hype.
DO
Other than slow and luxurious breakfasts, I really enjoyed just walking around. It was rainy when I was there (late Nov-early Dec), so the city was pretty moody and peaceful. The Jardin du Palais Royal was perfect for sitting and thinking about life, but any Parisian park will do for that. I spent my last day luxuriating in the hammam at La Grande Mosquée de Paris, which felt incredible before a long flight. I spent hours in the steam rooms, got scrubbed and massaged, and felt like a new Goddess after. It’s women only, and you can find all the details here. Make sure you walk through the Jardin des Plantes after, they had a fun exhibit on when I was there.
Montmartre was my favourite neighbourhood to walk through. It felt like I had been transported to another place and time. I had a spiritual moment at Sacré-Cœur, lighting a candle for my future love and feeling an abundance of gratitude for what I’ve created in my life.
ART
I love contemporary art, so I could not be more obsessed with the Palais de Tokyo. It was spacious, and my mind had room to wander around and take in the creations. After I left, I sat outside by the pool overlooking the Eiffel Tower lighting up. Perfection.
I bought a ticket and went to Pompidou, but I get claustrophobic around a lot of people in small spaces, so I left after stressing out over just the line to get in. I would go back again, except early on a weekday morning.
Everyone recommended Versailles to me, so that’s a must for next time.
BUY
I bought a few special things to celebrate love and beauty, including matching lingerie from a French brand Etam, some perfume from Parle Moi, and all of the pharmacy products! I also love grocery stores for picking up fun local snacks and gifts, and my first stop is always a health food store to stock up on tea, fruits, and veggies.
I would skip Cligancourt market, I heard it was good for vintage, but when I went it was merde.